Fear of revolt may force Cong to induct tainted into Cabinet

It appears that the Congress is going back on its word of not inducting tainted leaders in the Karnataka Cabinet fearing revolt by legislators.

The party, which was earlier planning not to induct tainted legislators facing charges in mining and land grabbing scams, was in a rethink mode on the issue, a senior leader told Deccan Herald.

“Defining the tainted is difficult. On the basis of mere allegations against any leader if we deny Cabinet berth, it would be injustice to him, he said.

“Moreover, those branded tainted are powerful leaders of the party. If they are kept away from the government, they may create trouble and hamper the smooth functioning of the government,” he added.

Over 80 legislators are in the national capital lobbying for Cabinet berths. Party leaders have been holding marathon meetings since Tuesday to finalise the list.

AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka Madhusudan Mistry, party general secretary Oscar Fernandes, Defence Minister A K Antony, senior leader Ambika Soni, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president G Parameshwara held a meeting on Wednesday.

Siddaramaiah, who came here on Wednesday, met President Pranab Mukherjee and Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Sources close to the chief minister said he would meet Sonia again on Thursday to get ministers’ list approved. 

Though the chief minister told reporters that the list would be finalised on Thursday and swearing in would take place on Friday, some leaders were unsure because of large number of claimants.

Sources said G Parameshwara is unlikely to join the government, but may opt for the Rajya Sabha and retain the KPCC president’s post. Though the high command suggested him to accept the Cabinet minister berth after becoming an MLC, the sources close told Deccan Herald that he was keen to enter the Rajya Sabha and retain the party post.